Portugal Faces Severe Wildfire Crisis as Thousands of Firefighters Mobilize

Portugal is grappling with a severe wildfire crisis, with over 5,000 firefighters engaged in combatting the blazes that have been described by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro as “raging across the country.” The intense heat has exacerbated the situation, with temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F) over the weekend and expected to remain high for several days.

The wildfires have already claimed at least two lives, and local media reports indicate that hundreds have been affected, including firefighters. João Silva, a firefighter, tragically died of a “sudden illness” while fighting a blaze in Oliveira de Azeméis. Montenegro expressed his “deepest condolences” to Silva’s family, friends, and colleagues.

The fires have consumed around 10,000 hectares (37 square miles) of land between Porto and Aveiro in northern Portugal. As of the latest reports, there are 128 active wildfire incidents across the country. Hospitals in affected regions are treating individuals for burns, breathing difficulties, and other fire-related injuries.

The situation has led to significant disruptions, including the closure of major motorways, such as the primary route between Lisbon and Porto. At least 12 firefighters have been injured, with two of them sustaining serious injuries.

Portuguese authorities have issued a high-risk warning for wildfires, predicting continued danger through Wednesday, with the threat remaining “very high” until Friday. The national civil protection commander, André Fernandes, described the situation as “very complex” and indicated that tomorrow “will be a difficult day.”

In response to the crisis, the European Union is providing substantial support. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is “urgently mobilising” resources and has coordinated the deployment of eight firefighting planes to Portugal. France, Greece, Italy, and Spain have also been thanked by Montenegro for their “rapid and essential help” in battling the fires.

Portugal’s own firefighting resources include 30 water bombers and over 1,500 fire engines, but the scale of the fires has necessitated additional international assistance. France has agreed to send two additional water bombers, with Spain expected to contribute two more aircraft soon.

“The EU solidarity is at its best,” von der Leyen commented, emphasizing the collective effort to address the crisis. Several fires in the Aveiro region forced approximately 70 residents to evacuate their homes. In Albergaria-a-Velha, Mayor António Loureiro reported that four houses have been destroyed, with 20 more at risk. In Cabeceiras de Basto, near Braga, two homes have been reported as destroyed.

Portugal and neighboring Spain have experienced fewer wildfires this year, thanks to a wetter start to the year. However, the ongoing hot and dry conditions make them vulnerable to fires. Climate change is a contributing factor, with rising global temperatures exacerbating the likelihood of extreme weather events, including wildfires.

The world has already warmed by about 1.1°C since the start of the industrial era, and without urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, temperatures are expected to continue rising, increasing the frequency and severity of such environmental crises.

The situation in Portugal serves as a stark reminder of the escalating challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need for coordinated international efforts to address both immediate and long-term impacts.